• M Leal Hernández, J Abellán Alemán, J Martínez Crespo, and A Nicolás Bastida.
• Centro de Salud de Beniaján-San Andrés, Cátedra de Riesgo Cardiovascular, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Murcia, España. mlealh@papps.org
• Aten Primaria. 2004 Jan 1; 33 (1): 6106-10.

ObjectivesTo determine whether the use of written information alone improved inhalation technique with pressurized canister inhalers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To compare the effectiveness of written information versus verbal explanation provided by nursing personnel on the use of inhalers.DesignInterventional study.SettingUrban health center.Participants120 patients with COPD treated with pressurized canister inhalers.InterventionsThe participants were divided randomly into three groups of 40 patients each. In one group no intervention was used, in the second group verbal explanations were provided, and in the third group written information was provided.Main MeasuresWe recorded percentage compliance with 5 criteria for the correct use of inhalers at the start of the study and 3 months after the intervention in all groups.ResultsInitially, performance of the inhalation technique by patients with COPD was poor (mean compliance 40%). Performance improved significantly in both intervention groups, with no significant difference between them. Final mean compliance was 74% in the written information group and 82% in the verbal information group.ConclusionsThe use of written information about the use of inhalers for patients with COPD significantly improved utilization to a degree similar to that obtained with verbal explanations.

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